The Makhado Municipality launched two street-surfacing projects worth millions of rands a fortnight ago.

The first project was launched in Eltivillas Extension 1 and the estimated cost of completion is R11 million. A project consultant has been appointed to oversee the whole project. According to the consultant, Mr Ramsy Nekhalale of African Blue Eagle, a 1,6km stretch of road needs to be tarred. The project is expected to be finished in 10 months. He explained that storm water drainage is at the core of the project as it will then make the road durable even in times of heavy rains.

Two local businessmen and residents of Eltivilas, Mr Devendra Patel and Mr Viju Premjee, questioned the duration of the project. “Why should it take 10 months (to complete) only 1, 6km?” asked Mr Patel. “It doesn't make any sense to me, especially in a machinery world of today. Ten months means more or extra money into the project, and who is going to pay that money? Of course, the local ratepayers.”

Municipal Mayor Cllr David Mutavhatsindi defended the decision to award the contract to the specific consultants and contractors. “We need to look at the history of our place and people,” he said. “Not all companies can afford the bigger machines, so we need to give them sufficient time to render quality service.”

The project contractor for Eltivillas Street Surfacing is Mposicon Construction, which was represented at the launch by Mr Martin Mposi. He promised to deliver quality work and slaughter two cows at the handing over of the completed project somewhere towards the end of the year.

The second street-surfacing project is in Tshikota and the cost is R8 million. Mont Consulting Engineers has been appointed as the consultant, while the contractor is Immorial Building Construction. The consultant, Mr Edward Muvhango, explained that the scope of the work included the upgrading of the gravel roads to the tarred main road, which will stretch for 1,6km and the work will include storm water drainage pipes. “The duration of the project is six months,” he said.